be counted on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be counted on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing trust or reliability in someone or something. Example: "You can always count on her to deliver quality work on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Votes will be counted on 16 May.

BBC

That's a good feeling, to be counted on again".

The New York Times - Sports

Family support cannot be counted on forever".

Forbes

Instead, they can be counted on one hand.

The New York Times

"The number of honest officers can only be counted on one hand".

Vice

But one thing can be counted on.

BBC

Ballots will be counted on May 16th.

The Economist

What could be counted on?

The New York Times - Sports

Halcyon days could not be counted on.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it's a rare occurrence and absolutely cannot be counted on.

Huffington Post

Hardline clerics may be counted on, however, to develop their own "Vision 2030".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be counted on" to express reliability and dependability, but be mindful of the context. In formal situations, consider using "be relied upon" for a more professional tone.

Common error

While "be counted on" is passive, avoid overusing passive constructions in your writing. Sometimes, an active voice can make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "He can be counted on", consider "You can count on him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be counted on" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that someone or something is reliable and can be depended upon. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be counted on" is a common and grammatically sound way to express reliability and dependability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across a variety of contexts. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, consider "be relied upon" for a more formal tone. The most frequent usage contexts are News & Media and Formal & Business communication. Avoid overusing passive voice constructions for more direct writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be relied upon

Emphasizes dependability and trustworthiness in a formal way.

be depended on

Highlights the act of relying on someone or something for support.

be trusted

Focuses on the aspect of having faith or confidence in someone's integrity or ability.

be assured of

Indicates a guarantee or certainty regarding someone's actions or availability.

be sure of

Expresses confidence and lack of doubt in someone's capability.

be guaranteed

Implies a formal assurance or warranty of someone's performance.

be predictable

Stresses the consistency and expected behavior of someone or something.

be taken for granted

Indicates a level of reliability so high that it is often overlooked.

be earmarked

Suggests a specific allocation or dedication for a particular purpose.

be anticipated

Highlights the expectation of someone's presence or contribution.

FAQs

How can I use "be counted on" in a sentence?

You can use "be counted on" to express that someone or something is reliable or dependable. For example, "She can "be counted on" to deliver quality work" or "Good weather cannot always "be counted on"".

What are some alternatives to "be counted on"?

Some alternatives include "be relied upon", "be depended on", or "be trusted". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "can be counted on" or "can be relied upon"?

Both phrases are correct, but "can be relied upon" is generally considered more formal than "can be counted on". Use "can be relied upon" in professional or academic contexts.

Can "be counted on" be used for inanimate objects or abstract concepts?

Yes, ""be counted on"" can refer to both people and things. For example, "The weather can't "be counted on"" or "Their support can "be counted on"".